Clear Creek Canyon Park

Clear Creek Canyon Park_Scenic

CLOSED: Portions of Clear Creek Canyon Park are closed to all public use uphill of US Highway 6 from February 1 through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory. These portions include areas near Mile Marker 270 and Tunnel 2, including the following rock climbing sites: 

Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Block, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation, Ghost Crag, Highlander, Evil Area, and Tetanus Garden. The Fault Caves are also included in this closure

CLOSED: The dirt parking lot at the Gateway of Clear Creek Canyon Park off U.S. Hwy 6, near the intersection of Hwy 58, and Hwy 93, as well as the parking lot east of Tunnel 1 and the Oxbow area, will be closed until spring 2021 (weather dependent) for construction of the next segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail. For more information please visit our Peaks to Plains project page

Seasonal Closure Clear Creek Canyon MM 266 Map
Seasonal Closure Clear Creek Canyon MM 270 Map
Trail Closure Alert

Clear Creek Canyon Park offers unique recreation experiences among its steep canyon walls and fast flowing creek. With the opening of a segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail, bicycles are allowed in the canyon for the first time. Use caution when accessing the creek and engaging in high-risk activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and rafting. Anglers must carry a valid Colorado fishing license with habitat stamp. Gold prospectors must adhere to Open Space Regulations.

Clear Creek Trail*

The Clear Creek Trail is a concrete path along Clear Creek connecting the City of Golden with the City of Wheat Ridge. View Clear Creek Trail Map

Clear Creek Canyon Park interactive map

Mayhem Gulch Trailhead
32447 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Cannonball Flats Access
33708 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Big Easy Trailhead
32088 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Park Facts

Peaks to Plains Trail*

The vision of the Peaks to Plains Trail is a 65-mile trail of statewide significance that will serve the 3 million residents of the Denver metro area. The goal is that the Peaks to Plains Trail will one day connect the South Platte Trail in Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. Once completed, it will connect four counties and seven cities, with a total elevation gain of more than 1 mile. The first portions of the Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon Park opened in 2016 and 2017, offering four miles of 10-foot-wide paved surface right along Clear Creek. The next step will be continuing the trail east to Golden with the Mouth of the Canyon segment. Learn more about the Peaks to Plains Trail. View the Peaks to Plains Trail Map

*Notice: This trail crosses multiple jurisdictions beyond land owned/managed by Jeffco Open Space and may fall under different regulations.

Clear Creek Canyon Park Map
Prospecting Regulations

Prospecting is prohibited in some areas at the Big Easy Trailhead. See posted signs.

  • Digging into or destruction of stable shoreline, banks or existing vegetation is not permitted
  • All prospecting holes must be filled in before leaving site
  • Dredges and equipment may not be left overnight
  • No prospecting within 100 feet of structures including bridges, steps and
    fish habitat improvements
  • Only dredges with a nozzle diameter of four inches or fewer are permitted
  • No dripping or leaking of fuel or oil allowed
Park Regulations Image
  1. REOPEN: Effective 3/8 White Ranch, Hildebrand, and Deer Creek Canyon Parks have reopened
  2. REOPEN: Apex and Matthews/Winters Parks have reopened following muddy trail closures
  3. CLOSED: Seasonal Wildlife Closures at multiple parks Feb 1- July 31
  4. NOTICE: Rangers and S.O. implementing temporary restrictions at parks that are at capacity
  5. CLOSED: Due to COVID-19 health concerns, Lookout Mtn Nature Center and Hiwan Museum closed
  6. CLOSED: Parking lots at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon Park and Tunnel 1 closed for construction
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